I know many of you out there in LADT land have been “calmly” discussing your varied opinions on AF. Some think he is the best President Baseball Operations/GM in the history of baseball, while others believe he is very much overrated. I do not know what is wrong with the latter group. Aren’t those of you who are in that group just glad to be the 2nd best team in MLB? I keep reading that is good enough to just continue to be relevant.
Then there are some of us who fall somewhere in-between, thus I thought I would add my 2 cents (or less) on the subject. I have been steadfast in my support for AF, even if I do not deify him. I have on numerous occasions written how I believe that AF is the best in MLB at putting together a great 40-man roster for a long 162 game season. You can blame the players (and I have), but a FO is graded on how many championships they bring, and AF has never won a WS championship. As great of a run as the Atlanta Braves had from 1991 to 2005, there will always be doubters because of only 1 WS championship in that stretch. If I were a Braves fan, I would always lament on what might have been. I am sure those that are okay with maintaining relevance would have had downtown parades just for making the playoffs. Unfortunately, cities only give downtown parades for WS champions, and not for being relevant.
One thing I will agree with Mark on is that I do not know who Miami asked for in a Christian Yelich trade, or who Pittsburgh asked for in a Gerrit Cole trade, or who Chicago asked for in a Chris Sale trade. Since 2015, there have been four untouchables for me…Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, and Walker Buehler. Today I would add Julio Urias, and perhaps Dustin May, because I value pitching, especially potential front of the rotation pitching. Hence, my desire for Sale and Cole. So if teams were insistent on any of the four, I have no problem with AF balking. However, based on the return the teams did get, I just believe that a trade could have been made without adding any of the four. I purposely did not include Julio Urias in the original four, because as long as none of Kershaw/Seager/Bellinger/Buehler were included, I would have been okay with Urias going to the ChiSox for Chris Sale at the 2016 trade deadline. Many of you would not have included Urias at any cost, but to me, Chris Sale was controllable thru 2019 at a very reasonable rate and was arguably one of the top 5 pitchers in all of MLB. He could have been a game (WS) changer in any or all of 2016-2018. But it is sheer speculation as to who would be included in any trade. But as a fan, I am allowed to conjecture “what if” scenarios as much as fans are allowed to say they would not have traded any prospect for a potential game changer. And I should be able to voice my opinion without being belittled. Since the trades never happened, neither side can say who was right. But if we cannot opine on blog sites without ridicule, what good are blog sites?
But I also have an ongoing “discussion” with Mark when it comes to the bullpen. Off the top of my head, last year Zack Britton, Brad Brach, Jeurys Familia, Kelvin Herrera, Alex Colome’, Brad Hand, Joakim Soria, Keone Kela, and my favorite, Ryan Pressly, were all traded. So we do know they were all available. I also advocated for Kirby Yates (before Hand was traded), Jose Leclerc, Taylor Rogers, Kyle Barraclough, and Shane Greene. Instead the Dodgers ended up with John Axford, Zac Rosscup, and Ryan Madson. I have no idea whether any of the relievers would have made a difference, but I like to think that they had a better chance than the three they ended up with. That does not include Nathan Eovaldi who could have relieved (and did for Boston) or Roberto Osuna who I would have boycotted the Dodgers had they traded for him. He belongs in a jail cell, not a ML roster.
Many of you believe that Ross Stripling and Julio Urias give the Dodgers a good bullpen. They are starters, not relievers. They are not used to getting up and warming up every day. Can they become relievers? Absolutely, but not if they are bouncing back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen. In addition, do the Dodgers really need two long men on the 25 man? How about they get one reliable late inning high leverage one inning reliever. For those pining for Tony Gonsolin, he is still on the IL with a side injury (oblique?). It was first reported that he would miss one start, but It looks like at least 4 and counting.
AF is not afraid to pull the trigger on a trade. FAZ did make significant trades at the deadline the last three years, unfortunately none gave the Dodgers a WS Championship. But the effort was made. However, I am a firm believer that the best trades are made in the off-season and not at the trade deadline. But that’s just me. Sometimes I think AF thinks too much on making sure that value equals value in a trade. If the Dodgers slightly overpaid for Yelich or Cole or Sale, so what. The Dodgers needed 2 of those. Look at how the Dodgers can benefit today, and don’t project what future the prospects may be able to provide in 1-2-3-4 years down the road. Have your untouchables, but then fill in where it can help best and if you need to include one more lottery pick, so be it.
With respect to FA I keep reading that AF will not spend stupid money. And yet he reportedly offered Zack Greinke $155MM for 5 years, and some oddball crazya__ offer to Bryce Harper. So AF is willing to spend. Or maybe these were just reports to placate Dodger fans…”See, we tried. We just could not finish the deal.” I was not an advocate for Harper or Machado. But I was an advocate for DJLM and AJ Pollock. The Dodgers got Pollock, and even if he doesn’t play until August/September, I am still happy he signed. 5 years at $12M AAV is not going to break the bank. I think he has a chance to be special if he heals properly. Maybe it is a big if, but it is a gamble that I thought then and still do think was worth it. I also think he will have a better than 7.5 WAR over the full five years. If so, he will have earned his contract.
Last year another CF was available, Lorenzo Cain. I liked LoCain but was chastised because 5 years $80MM was way too much for him. He might have a good 3 years, but those last two years will be a boat anchor. Really $14MM is a boat anchor? The Brewers believe they can maneuver that boat anchor, but the big market Dodgers can’t? The Dodgers need to decide if they are a big market team or not. But that is an ownership group decision, not AF.
With the July 31 trade deadline, there will be more teams that might believe they have at least a chance as a wild card. Maybe they will trade their rentals, but they are going to cost. I know some are advocating that the Dodgers should pick up a RH bat now, but who? Teams are going to wait until there are more teams bidding at the deadline. Why shouldn’t they? It isn’t there job to help the Dodgers. What RH bats will be available even then. No to Evan Gattis, no to Nick Castellanos, no to Matt Kemp. The one intriguing RH bat is Jose Abreu. I hope the Dodgers consider Abreu. No Bums, Mitch Haniger is not going to be traded.
I have no idea what pitchers will be available other than the Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman (28) and Aaron Sanchez (26) who the team has said they will move. Both are controlled thru 2020. I would not say no to either. Both are top rotation type pitchers, but I think that Aaron Sanchez could be a tremendous closer. What relievers? Would the Giants be willing to trade with the Dodgers (MadBum and/or Will Smith)? Who else do the anti-AF fans believe the Dodgers should target? And who are you willing to include in the trade? And please, don’t throw out 6-7 marginal prospects thinking quantity oversteps quality. It doesn’t. I can see the trade now…Edwin Rios, Matt Beaty, Errol Robinson, Joe Broussard, Shea Spitzbarth, Michael Boyle, Leo Crawford to NYM for Jacob deGrom.
It is difficult to know what the Dodgers might have done but passed on. We can guess, but none of us will ever know. But as I understand it, we Dodger fans should be happy because a) they are under the CBT threshold and b) the team is relevant. What more can Dodger fans ask for? Right?
Minor League Report by AC
OKC Dodgers 2 – New Orleans Baby Cakes (Marlins) 10
The Dodgers lost for the 12th time in their last 14 games. Brock Stewart started and completed 4.0 innings. He gave up 4 runs on 7 hits (including 1 HR), 2 walks, with 5 strikeouts. Justin Grimm completed a very competent 2.0 innings allowing only one hit. However, in 0.2 IP, Stetson Allie allowed 4 runs on 3 hits (including 2 HRs), and 1 walk. Josh Smoker finished the game.
Shane Peterson and Daniel Castro each hit their 1st HR, while Kyle Garlick went 2-4 with a double.
Tulsa – Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros) – Game rained out.
RC Quakes 10 – San Jose Giants 3
Drew Avans had a 4 hit night to lead a 10 run 13 hit attack. Devin Mann was the big run producer with a double (7) and HR (5) and 4 RBIs. Connor Wong, Carlos Rincon, and Donovan Casey each had two hits with Wong getting a double (7) and HR (6), and Rincon (6) and Casey (2) also adding a HR.
Leo Crawford started and finally had a nice (but short) outing, going the first 3.0 innings (51 pitches). He allowed 4 hits, but no walks. He also registered 4 strikeouts. Connor Mitchell picked up for Crawford and went 2.2 IP surrendering the 3 runs (all unearned) to get the win. Justin Bruihl and Wes Helsabeck finished the final 3.1 innings in shutout fashion.
Great Lakes Loons 4 – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 2 (Brewers)
The Loons scored 4 runs on 5 hits and 7 walks. Chris Roller had a 2 run double and a sacrifice fly to pace the Loons. Stephen Kolek started and completed 4.2 innings. Kolek allowed 2 runs (1 earned) with 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Justin Hagenman relieved Kolek and surrendered 1 hit and 1 walk in his 2.2 IP to get the win. Austin Drury completed the game to earn his 2nd save on the season.
There will be skepticism of any ownership group, including AF until a World Series Championship is produced, it’s just the nature of the beast. Can’t win the big one for 30 plus years? Can you really blame the naysayers? I don’t put us close to the Braves, they won one during that stretch. We are more like the Buffalo Bills of the early 90s. No one, maybe except the few of us, will remember the Dodgers being runner ups, you gotta win the big one, until then, naysayers prevail. I think Andrew went for it with Machado, much props, and what a disappointment. Can’t say he didn’t try last year. I don’t blame AF, the wrong cards have been dealt, it will happen when it’s supposed to, hopefully not as long as the Cubs took.
I totally agree with you in theory about the bullpen, but the hard part is who fits where? Putting a bullpen together is frequently totally dependent on luck. The Red Sox bullpen was bad last year… until it wasn’t Eovaldi was a big part of that and now he’s injured again. Kimbrell was unreliable quite frequently, but they won.
You wanted Leclerc and I too thought he would be great. He had a 1.56 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP last year, but this year he is a train wreck. A pitcher can pitch well for one team, but that doesn’t mean that he will pitch well for another team. As you know, I was not in favor of the Joe Kelly signing, but now that they have him, I hope he figures it out. He has… at times. Friedman went against his own principles in getting Kelly and I hope it doesn’t bite him.
I am sure there are some “elite relievers” out there and it has occurred to me that the best way to get one might be to trade Ross Stripling. He is putting on a good front and saying he will pitch wherever, but he knows he’s a starter and I think his track record is good enough that he would bring value back. As much as I like Chicken Strip, both him and the Dodgers could be better if he is traded. Urias will go back to the rotation in a month or two and with May and Gonsolin in the wings, I could see Maeda traded as well. Strip and Maeda could net an effective reliever or two.
The Dodgers team ERA which was #22 in baseball a few weeks ago now just broke into the Top 10. The starting staff is up to #6 while the relievers who dug a big hole have risen to #20.
I also have a sneaking suspicion that Joc Pederson gets traded. His value is pretty good right now and that’s the time to make a move for a RH hitter. The Dodgesr have a million LHH in the minors. I think Abreu would fit… and he’s just a rental. With Abreu, this is what the lineup against LHP could look like, when Pollock is back:
1. Verdugo LF (it’s time to move him to leadoff)
2. Bellinger RF
3. Turner 3B
4. Abreu 1B
5. Pollock CF
6. Hernandez 2B
7. Seager SS (take the pressure of him and let him hit here for a time)
8. Barnes/Martin C
It was nice to see CT3 and Barnes have some success. Taylor has shortened up his swing noticeable at times. Hopefully, this boosts his confidence.
P.S. I would never disparage a well thought-out and articulated argument. I would pick apart arguments that lack merit. Yours has plenty of merit. Of course, things could be better, but this is a dang good team and we both know just buying or trading for players does not get you a championship. I think we get there again and hopefully by some trades and pure dumb luck, we win it all this year! It’s going to take both.
I have zero problem with AF pulling the trigger on a trade. He has identified good trades at the last three deadlines and made the move. And not without cost. Getting Machado last year was a great trade. It just did not work out. That is not on AF. I know 59 and others do blame Doc, and that is fine. It is different managing a 162 game schedule than a Best of 4 winner takes all series. I might have tried for Verlander instead of Darvish, but I also have no idea what financial constraints AF was given.
Knowing that nobody is perfect in everything they do, I do think AF has a bigger problem with identifying the best and most appropriate FA for the Dodgers. We will never know. His track record has not been anything to write “How To” books about. I still think DJLM would have been perfect for LAD. I was never in the Harper/Machado circus, but at some point Dodger ownership and AF have to just say, blank it. Let’s get it done. I do not know who that may be, but I sure would hope that the LAD in a market as big as LA would not let $$$$ make a decision. Not that it will ever happen, but wouldn’t you open your wallets if Max Scherzer became available; or Stephen Strasburg. Plus, if Craig Kimbrel is not signed before the June draft and he is willing to take a pillow contract, don’t you give it a shot? The same with Dallas Keuchel? I am not advocating multi-years, but if all it is is money, both pitchers deserve a look for three months. What better way to set your “reasonable bar” for next year’s FA if not in a pennant race helping the team to a WS championship.
Yesterday was a fantastic team win. We got production from 2 guys that had been really struggling; they picked up the heart of the order who didn’t come thru. We got great relief pitching and “stole” the game from SD. Now just get 1 more of these next 2 and we take a road series.
Verdugo was 0 for 4, but man 3 of those outs were hard hit balls right at guys (and one was a really nice running catch by the Padre LF). This dude has a fantastic swing, regardless of who he’s facing. To me it’s a no brainer that he play every day. He’s shown that he’s earned it.
AC,
Pollock’s contract is as follows:
5 years $60M
2019 31 Los Angeles Dodgers $4,000,000
2020 32 Los Angeles Dodgers $15,000,000
2021 33 Los Angeles Dodgers $18,000,000
2022 34 Los Angeles Dodgers $13,000,000
2023 35 Los Angeles Dodgers *$10,000,000
There is a buyout option in 2023
I go on AAV. Pollock’s AAV is $12MM. With LAD and their revenues actual salary each yearshould not be an issue.A
I give the Braintrust high marks in several areas.
1 – They have been at the forefront of the Swiss Army Knife ballplayers necessary in this age of 8 man bullpens and short benches. Kike Hernandez and Austin Barnes came to the Dodgers already so equipped; Chris Taylor was modified. Bellinger is another one who’s versatility is important. This give Roberts several extra possibilities unavailable to most managers.
2 – They have known which prospects to trade and which to hold on to. Very few traded prospects have turned out to be anything.
3 – They have “gotten lucky” several times with the likes of Taylor and Muncy. They have found ballplayers in unlikely circumstances.
4 – They have created pitching depth (real depth – not the so-called depth of 4 years ago when the requirement to be a Dodgers’ pitcher was to be injury-prone).The Dodgers’ top 7 are the best in baseball even if their top 3 aren’t necessarily.
5 – They have gotten rid of most of the guys with attitude problems, coachability issues, and clubhouse cancers. They are much more of a “team” then before.
6 – They have gotten control of payroll.
On the flip side:
1 – It took them 3 years to stop signing or trading for old and infirm pitchers who couldn’t actually pitch.
2 – They have been late in my estimation in acquiring talent at or near the deadline or in the offseason, being penny-wise and pound-foolish. I remember the offseason when they signed Kazmir – he was just about the only free agent SP available after several other pitchers came off of the Board. Same when the Snakes traded for JD Martinez.
3 – The way that they construct a team seems to leave the Dodgers with the same holes year after year – RHH, relief pitchers.
4 – I would really like another ace-quality pitcher. It helps to have multiple aces in a the postseason. The best 7 man rotation is less important than the best 4 man rotation in the postseason.
Many of my gripes are more philosophical:
1 – Too many 5 inning SP (either the starters aren’t stretched out or the manager pulls them out early)
2 – Too much 3 true outcomes baseball (really boring)
3 – Perceived over-reliance on geeks with computers
4 – Too many platoons
As for success, making the playoffs is great. Knowing that they will always be competitive is too. Like AC, I do wonder about the “window” – it doesn’t stay open forever. At what point does the team say that this is the season that they’re all in and make a “bad trade” or signing to bring in the player who makes the difference between making the playoffs and winning it all?
If a world series championship could be guaranteed I would howl at the top of my lungs to get it done. No trade or FA or anything can guarantee one. So the best that can be done is put the Dodgers in the best possible position to win and keep winning games season in and season out. I think Friedman and the owners are doing that pretty well. Better than the O’malleys did and in a much more competitive modern era. So whatever my uninformed opinion is worth (zero) there it is.
Well argued as always AC. Way less emotional, decisive and belittling than your counterpart.
I agree that the front office is doing a tremendous job building the roster. And you’re right that while we may have missed on some potential players, we don’t know what the other team was asking for and won’t ever know for certain. What we do know is that AF has improved the team pretty much every year at the deadline.
I agree that trading in the offseason would yield more “value” as assets are comparably cheaper than at the deadline. However, by waiting until the deadline reduces risk as your needs change as the season progresses. Free agents cost only $$, but a lot of it and I will say that MOST contacts don’t work out dollar for dollar. But, you can’t compare the price of a championship to the dollar value of a free agent that helps you reach that goal, one that puts you over the top.
It’s obviously hard to be a GM. AF is very good, maybe the best, but you can’t call him BEST until he wins and RING. Also, AF is not infallible like everyone else on the planet. He makes mistakes just like everyone else.
I mentioned Abreu early last offseason. The White Sox probably think they’ll get the most at the deadline as opposed to trading him last offseason after a bad year. Hopefully, they’ll take Muncy, Rios or Beaty off our hands.
I don’t succumb to the notion that they should trade Joc. Of course, if you can get equal value, that’s another story. But, crushing right handers when you mostly face right handers is not a skill that should be discounted.
Let’s say for a moment that things go really right for us. CT3 starts hitting and stops striking out, OR Gavin Lux continues to improve and can take over at 2B, or maybe they sacrifice a little defense ala Daniel Murphy and roll with Muncy at 2B. Kike becomes a natural platoon partner with Joc, all we really need is to acquire Abreu to provide that thump from the right side and a reliever to pitch the 8th. I wouldn’t even mind an overpay for Abreu by giving up Muncy and White or Gray and maybe even Esteves.
This still won’t prevent Doc from pulling Hill too early, leaving Kershaw in too long, or pulling a reliever in the middle of an inning for a platoon matchup that inevitably ends in a walk or extra bases. And he’s a bad driver.
Lots of moderately interesting team-related nuggets out there:
From a Jonah Keri chat:
Question:
What’s Julio Urias’s upside? Bonafide ace in his prime? Top 10sp? Thanks!
Jonah Keri
It’s hard to know, because the Dodgers are so judicious in how they used their pitchers, we rarely get, say, 15 straight starts where we get a good look at a guy, before they skip a start or toss a guy on the IL for a minor injury or maintenance work, or even send a great arm to the bullpen (like Urias, and Stripling). Put it this way: If Urias played for a more conventional team, we’d have more information by now as to his upside than we do while he’s a Dodger.
Question:
With injuries to Pollock and Freese the Dodger’s right handed position force is limited. That was evidenced last night. Are there any potential moves to bolster right handed hitting, on the horizon?
Jonah Keri
It’s not hard to find players who just need to be capable lesser sides of a platoon, so if the injuries linger, pickups will be easy. I’ll say this, though: Verdugo has long been viewed as a potential impact prospect. I know the Dodgers love to platoon everyone to death, but Pollock’s injury creates a natural opportunity to really put one of your best young players to the test by playing him everyday, or close to see it. Let’s see what the kid’s got.
From a Logenhagen chat:
Ethan: How would you compare the offensive upsides of Miguel Amaya and Diego Cartaya?
Eric A Longenhagen: Amaya >
Jose: How likely is it for Zach Willeman to improve pitch consistency and be talked about in the same way that Buehler was pre-debut?
Eric A Longenhagen: not very, Walker’s stuff was so, so good immediately.
From Dodgers Insider:
Kershaw has gone at least six innings with at least six strikeouts in each of his four starts this year.
From Baseball America:
The players that jumped up 20 or more spots in today’s updated Top
Nico Hoerner, @Cubs
Nate Lowe, @RaysBaseball
Chris Paddack, @Padres
Nolan Gorman, @Cardinals
Griffin Canning, @Angels
Dustin May, @Dodgers
We may have been wrong on Dustin May – his upside could be as a #1.
he pitches today at 5pm.
From my other Blog. I gave a shout out to LA Dodger Talk.
https://blog.uswatersystems.com/2019/05/welcome-steve-timmons-to-the-blog/?fbclid=IwAR0T3mlX6FA-pwoHWmLt8LFc_AWMHRfB9PJtRJYLZeSCYhWNo7tCGHETkL8
I have been doing this blog for 20 years and I’ll keep doing it as long as I enjoy it… and I do! I love everyone’s passion. Let’s roll!
Mark, I’ve been reading LADT daily for the past couple of years. I appreciate what you do for me and all those who enjoy reading and contributing to this blog. It is really a joy and privilege. So I hope you enjoy doing it for a long time. Thanks
I thought Joc did well last night. He got a hit and sent another one deep to the outfield. He should be given another chance against LHPs. Joc has always been one of my favorite Dodger since he came up from AAA. And no, I am not Bums mother.
Sister?
Nope. Never met the man. I love all the young players coming up from the minors and root hard for them like Joc, Seager, Bellinger, Striker, Urias, Fergie, just to name a few.
cougar?
You’re the best mother-in-law ever. See ya this weekend. Sorry MJ and I broke up but at least we are still friends.
Matt Kemp released.
I can see another reunion…
I mean, Joc needs a platoon partner and he’s almost free!
That is what I was thinking as well.
About 70% of the pitchers are RH, so Matt would be a pinch hitter and start 30% of the time.
If he accepted that, he would be fine in the clubhouse.
I have no idea if Friedman would do it, but I would.
I think the FO are delighted to be rid of him.
I said Mark before when you suggested White Bear. This is destiny. Makes total sense. Kemp only plays good in LA and now they can have him for cheap. What is the risk. History tells us he will bat .285 avg and some home runs and good run producer. Joc needs help and Dodgers need RH Hitter. Call Friedman Mark. Call Roberts. Before Zaidi takes him to Giants
Dang, sure looking like the Farmer trade “was one of worst trades in Dodger history” as a couple of people wrote back in December. Kemp got released, Wood has yet to pitch, Puig is batting under .200, and Farmer is somewhere in between. Meanwhile we picked up two legit prospects who can either make a run at the big club in a few years, or be used as trade chips come July. That damn Freidman sure doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing, doesn’t he. Fire him, now! Bring back Depodesta!
… and the icing on the cake would be getting Kemp back for Free.
Do you really think there’s a non-zero chance they’ll bring him back? I don’t. That ship has sailed.
Kike is showing again that he’s not an every day player and he’s the perfect platoon partner for Joc.
And your boy Taylor is hitting great right ! Yes he had Home Run last night but hitting Mendoza line with ton of strikeouts !!!!! Kike is a 2B. Matt Kemp was MVP last year with Muncy. You cant deny that. Got huge hits against Bradley from DBacks down the stretch and had 85 Rbis.
I case you haven’t noticed, Kemp is actually hitting worse than Taylor.
Do it Mark. You love the Bison deep down ! Bring him back to hang out with Russell again ! Kemp misses Dodgers.
Lineup:
1. Hernández CF
2. Turner 3B
3. Seager SS
4. Freese 1B
5. Muncy 2B
6. Martin C
7. Verdugo RF
8. Taylor LF
9. Hill P
In the same number of at-bats as he had last year for LA (77), Verdugo has shown statistical improvement in almost all areas: BA, OBP, SLG, etc.
While he hasn’t drawn as many walks, he’s struck out fewer times.
I feel like he is already one of the better hitters on the team. Here’s to continued improvement and staying on the field.
Today:
Kike (CF)
JT
Seager
Freeze
Muncy (2b)
Martin
Verdugo
CT3
Hill
Separated shoulder doesn’t sound good.
Bring Matt Kemp ( The Bison ) Back as Dodgers need another RH Bat. Low cost and low risk signing. He was Dodgers MVP for first half last year and if it wasn´t for his production during that time Dodgers would have not made it to Playoffs. Do it Friedman !!! Third time a charm ???? He can bat better than Pollock and be platoon with Joc and Pinch Hitter. Sent down Beatty .
Whether we add Kemp or not is pretty much independent of anything having to do with Beaty.
Well i meant that he is the 25th man on the roster and has options. Is not that he is bad but we need veteran RH Bat to platoon with Joc. Nothing against Beaty but he would seem like the only guy that can create a space for Kemp on the roster. At least give Kem a look while Deadline comes and maybe bigger trade or need. I dont think team needs as much offense but maybe help in the Bullpen. And to be realistic Pollock might not be in full health this year. Maybe makes it back by August or September.
We dont need Kemp, you ever herd the phrase if it’s not broke dont fix it. Well the Dodgers are not broken they good, let Matt Kemp ruin the clubhouse moral somewhere else, also a new area of 27 has begun time to look forward
Muncy!!! Holy Shitaki, love the bat flip. This is 2017 all over again, we just don’t die after getting punched in the nose. Damn I love this team!
Dang, we are all raggin on Doc, myself included, for putting Taylor in the lineup time and time again, and now he is tearing it up. I think I will just drink my beer and shut the heck up. Maybe Roberts knows just a bit more than we do about his guys. And friggin Colleti on DodgerTalk, preaching the the same thing about the FO and Doc , who are looking long term as far as getting guys like Taylor, Seager, and Barnes going. I think he is a way better analyst than GM. He totally has the pulse on what Freidman and Doc are thinking.
Muncy was certainly due, he could give the team a real lift if he gets going. He got a fastball inner half and jumped it. Verdugo is playing with some fire. Hill looked 39 years old tonight, no command of anything. Baez looked good again. Machado is enjoying himself, have to face him a lot this year. Kelly back to old habits.
Just like clockwork, when certain people said Taylor was finished, I knew he was going to break out because if you take the opposite view from theirs, you will almost always be right!
The Dodgers really don’t need Kemp if CT3 is back! Time will tell, but he is getting locked in and the people who said he should be cut, traded or sent to AAA are starting to look silly. Oh, and they have one less thing to rag on Doc about.
Dont get too excited yet. Let´s see if he can be consistent. Taylor can be Super Utility and might have to spell Seager as he has been terrible.
I like AF, in fact I know he is top 5 at least. Who would you replace him with? You can’t fire someone unless you have his replacement. I agree on his strategy of no boat anchor deals. Relief pitchers are iffy long term, and building through the system is working. How much would a team pay for Bellinger? The Dodgers don’t have to because they didn’t include him in a deal for short term help. The Dodgers are going to win a WS soon, and they will be set up to win more if they stick to the plan.
WORD!
Kelly is a trainwreck!
Machine Earned Runs Kelly !!!!! Flat fastball , velocity but no movement. This guy has given up like 30 hits in 12 innings or so. Send him to Arizona to extended spring training to find himself.
Talk to Doc. We almost lost this game because of him.
This is a very important moment for Yimi!
There is a lot of hope for Yimi. His stuff is great, he just gets a little too amped up at times. It sure could have been a lot worse.
It could have been much worse. Kelly sure is stinking it up. His offspeed sucks. Wasn’t it all high fastballs and a slurve last year? What the hell happened? It looks like he’s pitching in the lower half of the zone, but can’t quite get it to the knees and that curve was a hanger!
His confidence is shot too. I don’t think they know where to go from here…
He needs a mystery ailment and a 10 day IL stint.
Beating SD’s bullpen twice will be quite demoralizing to them
Watching these umpires behind the plate, last night and tonight is totally frustrating. If there was ever an advertisement for an electronic strike zone, these umps are it. Taylor clearly should have walked to force in another run, and who knows what might have happened had the inning been extended further.
But thank you Kenley.
I can tell you one thing: Russ Martin snatched many balls to strikes. If anyone thinks framing is not a thing, they only need to re-watch that game. I think this ump was easy.
Corey Seager needs to cancel this dairy free crap. He needs a double cheeseburger with a chocolate milkshake before bedtime and tomorrow morning he needs a tall glass of milk and a cheese omelet. His AB’s have been non-competitive and perhaps Doc needs to move him down in the batting order and Verdugo moves up.
Corey got a “gift” infield single today but he’s only 2 for his last 31 AB’s. We all knew it would take awhile to round into form, but his power and contact rate seem severely diminished.